Tampa, FL (February 2009) - For many, the Gasparilla Pirate Fest is an excuse to have a party during the middle of the day. Approximately 500,000 people flock to Bayshore Boulevard in South Tampa to watch grown men dress up like pirates and toss plastic beads from brightly-colored floats, all while they indulge in more fun than they could possibly remember.

Even if someone has never been to the annual celebration of Tampa Bay’s pirate history, they know it means two things: beads and booze. But what most people don’t know about Gasparilla is, it’s all done in the name of a good cause. Every “krewe” (organization) involved in the parade, benefits a charity. For example, The Krewe of Shamrock, the Thieves of San Lorenzo and the Krewe of Agustina de Aragon all benefit the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

The Mystic Krewe of the Nautilus is one of Gasparilla’s newer krewes, having been around for only five years. The krewe benefits both the Children’s Cancer Center and the Florida Aquarium, and holds several events throughout the year to raise money for these causes, all in addition to their participation in the annual Gasparilla parade.

Clearwater, FL (Feb. 2009) - Since 2006, seafood and blues music fans have been drawn to Coachman Park by the annual Knology Sea Blues Festival. The festival is the perfect way to spend a weekend, chilling on the grass, indulging in seafood and listening to some of the best blues acts around.

This year’s four-day extravaganza kicked off on Cleveland Street with blues fans braving the “cold weather” to enjoy a performance from Tampa local Julie Black, and a debut of her new song “Ever Since” off of her second album due out in April. Julie recently displayed her phenomenal voice at Clearwater’s Pangea Café. “It was a warm environment and neat café,” she said, and also mentioned how nice the owners are.

Friday night Malcolm & the House Rockers took the stage, followed by Southside Johnny & The Ashbury Jukes. Fans danced in the park and enjoyed grouper sandwiches, a “sea in a sack” and even fried alligator. Saturday night featured John Nemeth, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials and Jonny Lang. Sunday night finished up the extravaganza with performances from Kenny Neal, Marcia Cross and Elvin Bishop.

Bryan Morris, the drummer for Elvin Bishop, loves getting to play at festivals like this. “Oh man. It’s the best”, he said. “When you get out there and see all the fans, that’s what makes you feel good.” But of course, the blues is in his blood. His father was a blues musician who played for Ray Charles.

The Sea Blues Festival unveiled the new baseball-themed art banners hanging in Downtown Clearwater in addition to welcoming the Phillies to Clearwater for their 63rd spring training in this town. The banners, which can be seen on Cleveland Street, feature 7 designs from 6 artists and will be up during spring training.

Artists In Action International Celebrates 2nd Anniversary with New Gallery Grand Opening

Clearwater, FL (February 24, 2009) - A double celebration marks two years that Artists in Action International (AIAI) has been bringing art and culture to the Tampa Bay area. Saturday, March 21st, starting at 7:00pm they celebrate not only their second anniversary, but also the grand opening of the Mission: Beautification Gallery which recently moved into the old AmSouth building at 400 Cleveland Street in downtown Clearwater.

Artists in Action, International exists to inspire artists of all genres to reach greater heights and make a difference in their communities. Founded here in Clearwater, Florida by visual artist Jack Potter, it now has members across the world. The group has received proclamations from the City of Clearwater establishing Clearwater Poetry Day and Clearwater Human Rights Week. They have also been acknowledged for their participation in the city’s Jazz & Art Walk, BeatleMania and Miracle on Cleveland Street.

Tampa, FL (February 19, 2009) - University of South Florida Softball is proud to announce The USF Under Armour Series, which is two individual events that will bring the largest NCAA Division I softball tournaments to the Tampa Bay area.

"For all softball aficionados, the USF-Under Armour Series will provide fans with the best competition in the nation," said USF softball head coach Ken Eriksen. "Division I softball at its best!"

The first in the Series, March 6-8, will be called the USF Under Armour Invitational and boast 16 of the top Division I softball teams in the country. Teams that will be participating in the Invitational are: USF, Ball State, Boston University, Connecticut, Evansville, Fordham, Hofstra, Illinois-Chicago, Lehigh, Loyola-Chicago, NC State, Robert Morris, St. Bonaventure, Villanova, Virginia Tech and Western Michigan.

Tampa, FL (February 2009) - The 2009 Bay Area Renaissance Festival welcomes guests for its 31st annual event held in Tampa, Florida. The festival will be open the weekends of February 21st through April 5th, in addition to "Festival Friday" on March 13th.

The food at the Faire is surely one of the most popular stops in any guest’s journey back in time. Each weekend the Festival offers a unique slant on the period with special events and activities for guests. The enchanting shire of Fittleworth will be host to national and local entertainment acts featuring comedy, music, juggling, jousting and stage combat. The artisans provide an added authenticity through the colorful shoppes that line the lanes of this renaissance setting.

The event kicked off at 6:00 p.m. as the couples were coached by the culinary expertise of Cooks & Company. Each couple prepared various finger foods for the guests of REDBAMBOO Medi-Spa until 8:30 p.m. Immediately following the cook-off was a meet and greet with Chris, Stylez, and Brett. JP Peterson emceed the proceedings.

Proceeds from the event benefited the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

Is “On the Edge” And Coming To Tampa, FL Headlined by Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen & Special Guest 2006 World Champion Kimmie Meissner America’s Premier Figure Skating Production Is “On the Edge” At St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, FL on March 1st @ 3:00 PM A Portion of SMUCKER’S® STARS ON ICE® Proceeds To Benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Tampa, FL (February 2, 2009) – America’s premier figure skating production, Smucker’s Stars on Ice, expands its boundaries as it returns for the 23rd season. The all-new production “On the Edge” promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats as the best skaters in the world show their amazing moves on the ice. Olympic Silver Medalist Sasha Cohen returns for her second season with Olympic, World, and National Champions to show fans what it takes to have the heart of a champion. Smucker’s Stars on Ice will visit St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, FL on Sunday, March 1, 2009 for a 3:00 PM performance.

Kick off is Sunday February 1, 2009 at 6pm at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa FL. There will be plenty of football action between the NFL Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will be performing at half time, and this year's new Super Bowl commercials are sure to be memorable, starting at $3 million for a 30 second spot.

Who is Your Favorite MVP for Super Bowl XLIII?

Tampa FL, January 17, 2009 - The Tampa Bay Buccaneers today announced that they have named Raheem Morris head coach and Mark Dominik general manager.

Morris, who spent the past two seasons as the Buccaneers defensive backs coach, was promoted to defensive coordinator on December 25, 2008 before being named head coach. Overall, he has spent six seasons on the Buccaneers sideline in two stints with the club.

Morris has quickly risen through the Buccaneers coaching ranks during his time with the team, serving as defensive quality control coach in 2002,defensive assistant in 2003 and assistant defensive backs coach from 2004-2005 before taking over as defensive backs coach in 2007. During his first stint with the club, Morris worked closely with former Bucs defensive backs coach and current Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin in the development of one of the NFL’s top secondaries while also helping the Buccaneers capture their first ever world championship in Super Bowl XXXVII. In between stints in Tampa Bay, he spent 2006 as Kansas State’s defensive coordinator.

DONATION OF DELL PRINTERS TO BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGH GIFTS IN KIND INTERNATIONAL - Thousands of Nonprofits Throughout North America to Benefit

Pasco County, January 14, 2009 - Dell Inc. and Gifts In Kind International, the world leader in product philanthropy, today announced a new donation program providing refurbished Dell All-In-One printers to eligible nonprofits throughout the United States and Canada. Through its network of 450 Gifts In Kind® programs, Gifts In Kind International will distribute the printers as they become available from Dell.

The donation will provide assistance to educational programs for children from kindergarten to the 12th grade, adult literacy efforts, job training, programs for the physically disabled and financially disadvantaged as well as other vital community services. The eligibility requirement for nonprofits is a current 501 (c)(3) status. Programs administered in Title 1 schools are also eligible.